Val die Vie was ranked the top estate for 2016. It is located in Paarl in the Western Cape. Val die Vie recently merged with Pearl Valley, our top rated estate last year. Highlights of the combined estate include: vineyards, polo fields, an equestrian center, a highly rated golf course, natural fynbos scenery, parks, lakes and mountain backdrops. House prices on the estate range from R5 million to R40 million.

Val die Vie contains the exclusive Gentleman’s Estate, which offers residents their own private stables, garden and vineyard. Properties on the Gentleman’s Estate range from 3 to 6 hectares each.

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Second place – Zimbali

Zimbali is located next to Balito, 45kms north of Durban. It is arguably the most picturesque estate in the country, with its own natural lagoon and forest. The bird life on the estate is very impressive – it is home to several types of kingfishers, bee-eaters and even the rare Crowned Eagle is a resident (the largest eagle in Africa). House prices on the estate range from R5 million to R50 million.

Third place – Fancourt

Fancourt is located in George on the Garden Route. It is undoubtedly South Africa’s top estate for golfers, with three highly rated courses on one estate. The two original courses (the Montagu and the Outeniqua) were built in the early 90s, whilst the world famous Fancourt Links was added in 2000. There are several different residential areas on the estate including: Links Ridge, Links Avenue, Cape Dutch Village, Oakland’s Village and Montagu Ridge. House prices on the estate range from R3 million to R50 million.

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Fourth place – Steyn City

Steyn City is a new estate located between Forways and Lanseria in Johannesburg. The 900 hectare estate offers apartments and houses and is the largest estate in the country in terms of land size. It currently includes: an equestrian center, a golf course and over 250 hectares of landscaped parkland. The communal areas, vegetation and parklands on the estate are particularly impressive, as is the bird life. The estate is still at early development – there are plans to add: two private schools, offices, convenience shopping, a retirement village and a private hospital. Once fully complete, Steyn City will be the most extensive estate in the country (in terms of facilities and activities). House/apartment prices on the estate range from R2 million to R30 million.

Fifth place – Pezula

Pezula is located in Knysna on the Garden Route. House prices on the estate range from R5 million to R40 million. Pezula includes two sub-estates, namely: Pezula Golf Estate and Pezula Private Estate.

Sixth place – Whalerock Ridge

Whalerock Ridge is located in Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route. The 100 hectare estate offers residents impressive views over Robberg Beach. The bottom gate of the estate is located approximately 100 meters from the beach. Notably, Whalerock Ridge is the only estate in our top 10 that does not have a golf course. House prices on the estate range from R3 million to R35 million.

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Seventh place – De Zalze

De Zalze is located in Stellenbosch in the Western Cape. The 300 hectare estate is also a working farm, comprising 120 hectares of vineyards, citrus orchards and olive groves. It is home to a particularly scenic golf course and 3 top restaurants. House prices on the estate range from R5 million to R20 million.

Eighth place – Atlantic Beach

Atlantic Beach is the ‘hidden gem’ of South African golf estates. Located between Blouberg and Melkbostrand in Cape Town, it is home to some of the most spectacular houses in the country. The estate also operates as a wildlife sanctuary, with several wild animals such as antelope living on the property. It is relatively well priced compared to other estates in our top 10 – house prices on the estate range from R2 million to R15 million.

Ninth place – Highland Gate

Highland Gate Golf and Trout Estate is a newly built estate located in the Steenkampsberg mountain range near Dullstroom. It features an Ernie Els designed golf course, fly-fishing and hiking trails. House prices on the estate range from R2 million to R10 million.

Tenth place – Arabella

Located on the Bot River Lagoon in Kleinmond, 25 miles west of Hermanus, Arabella is a hotspot for wealthy second home owners. Only a few of the holes have houses on them and as a result stands are limited – there are only 236 houses on the estate. House prices on the estate range from R3 million to R15 million.